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Jyothi.V * et al. /International Journal Of Pharmacy & Technology 

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THE PHARMACOGNOSTIC, PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL 

PROFILE OF LUFFA ACUTANGULA 

Jyothi.V*, Srinath Ambati and Asha Jyothi .V 

Vignan Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Deshmukhi, Nalgonda, Andhra Pradesh, India. 

E-mail: jyothi.vonguru@gmail.com 

Received on 15-10-2010 Accepted on 10-11-2010 

ABSTRACT: 

Many neutraceuticals are not very popular but they are having great potential to produce certain pharmacological 

properties. Study of evidence based scientific reportings can become the foundation for further research keeping in 

view of the phytochemical constituents and their pharmacological responses. Luffa acutangula is one such plant 

which has not grabbed considerable attention .This article was designed with an intention to provide complete 

review of its pharmacognostic details, phytochemical constituents and pharmacological activities. 

KEYWORDS: Luffa acutangula, Hepatoprotective activity. 

INTRODUCTION: 

Luffa acutangula (Family: Cucurbitaceae) is commonly known as Ridge gourd. It is a widely growing vegetative 

climber. The fruits are base ball club shaped. Various pharmacological activities include hepatoprotective activity 1 , 

antidiabetic activity 2 , antioxidant activity 3 , fungistatic property 4 , CNS depressant activity 5 

etc. Its chemical 

constituents were found to be carbohydrates, carotene, fat, protein, phytin, aminoacids, alanine, arginine, cystine, 

glutamicacid, glycine, hydroxyproline, leucine, lectin, serine, tryptophan, pipecolic acid 6-8 . It has a good 

hepatoprotective potential and supports the claims made in folklore medicine. Though many activities of 

L.acutangula were reported, its potential as a pharmacological aid has to be still explored. 

IJPT | Dec-2010 | Vol. 2 | Issue No.4 | 512- 524 

Page 512

ANCIENT LITERATURE: 


Ancient literature revealed that the plant is significantly used as abortifacient and antifungal agent. 9 

PHARMACOGNOSY: 

Taxonomical classification: 

Kingdom : 

Plantae 

Division : Magnoliophyta 

Class : Magnoliopsida 

Order : Cucurbitales 

Family : Cucurbitaceae 

Genus : Luffa 

Species : acutangula 

Othernames: 

Sanskrit: 

Hindi: 

Punjabi: 

Gantali, Kosataki, Ksweda, Mridangaphalika, Sutikta. 

Jhimani, Karvitarui, Karvituri, Sankirah, Rantorai. 

Jhinga,Shirola. 

English: Ridge gourd, Angled loofah, Chinese okra, Dish-clothgourd, Ribbed loofah, Silk gourd, Silky gourd, 

Sinkwa towelsponge, Sinqua melon,Vegetable sponge. 

Bengali: 

Titotorai, Titojhinga, Titodhundal, Jhinga, Ghoshalata. 

Kannada: Kahire, Kahi Heere, Naaga daali balli. 

Malayalam: Athanga. 

Marathi: 

Divali, Kadudodaki, Kadushirali, Kaduturai, Ranturai, Kadudod-ka, Dadudodaka. 

Tamil: Itukari, Itukarikkoti, Kacappi, Kacappuppirkku, Kaccam, Kaippuppirkku, Karniti, Karnitikkoti, 

Katiyavisava, Kirutacittirar, Kirutavetanai. 


Page 513

Telugu: 


Adavibira, Chedubira, Sendubirai, Verribira, Adivibeera, Verri beera, Chedu beera, Adavi beera, Chathi 

beera. 

DESCRIPTION: 

Luffa acutangula is a large monoious climber. It has 5 angled glabrous stem and 3-fid tendril. Leaves of this plant 

are orbicular, pale green in colour 15-20 cm across and palmately 5-7 angled or lobed. Veins and veinlets are 

prominent. 

Figure:1 Leaves of L.acutangula 

Figure:2 L.acutangula fruit & seed 

Fruits of Luffa acutangula are obovate, pale yellowish brown in colour, 4-10 cm long, 2-4 cm broad and outer 

surface being covered with 8-10 prominent longitudinal ribs. The fruits is divided into 3 chambers. The inner part is 

fibrous and easily detachable as a whole from the outer part. Taste is bitter. Transverse section through a rib shows 

a single layer of papillose epidermis covered with thick striated cuticle. It is followed by 4-6 layers of 

parenchymatous cells. 

Distribution: Luffa acutangula is pantropical and cultivated throughout India. 


Page 514

Habit: Herb. 


Propagation: Propagation of L.acutangula is by seeds. 

Native range: India and naturalised tropic and subtropics. 

Cultivation: Luffa acutangula can grow in all type of soils and can be grown in summer or in rainy season. Seeds 

can accordingly be sown either in february-march or june-july. 

Table No-1: Macroscopy of luffa acutangula 24 

S.no 

PART OF THE 

PLANT 

LENGTH THICKNESS COLOUR SHAPE 

1 Root 8-12 cm 0.5-0.7 cm Yellowish brown Cylindrical. 

2 Stem - 0.2-0.4 cm Brownish yellow Angular. 

3 Leaf: 

Petiole 

Lamina 

3-8 cm 

6-9 cm 

- 

6-9 cm 

Brownish yellow 

Light green 

Angular, wrinkled. 

Curled, 

corrugated. 

4 Flower: 

Male flower 

Female flower 

1.3 cm 

- 

- 

- 

Light greenish yellow 

Yellow 

- 

- 

5 Fruit 9-12 cm 2-4 cm Pale yellowish brown Cylindrical / Club 

6 Seed 0.6-0.8 cm 0.5-0.6 cm Black Ovoid / Oblong 


Page 515


Table No-2: Microscopy of Luffa acutangula 24 

S.no 

PART OF 

THE 

PLANT 

CELL CONSTITUENTS 

1 Root Outer cork cells, secondary cortex containing disintegrated and few lignified cells, 

lignified stone cells, secondary phloem, secondary xylem tissues containing ray cells, 

simple pitted xylem vessel, oval starch grains, distinct hilum in secondary cortex. 

2 Stem Single layer epidermis covered by cuticle, cortex containing collenchymal and few 

lignified cells, ground tissue made of parenchyma containing open, bicollateral, conjoint, 

endarch vascular bundles, secondary phloem and secondary xylem, bordered pitted xylem 

vessel, starch grains, distinct hilum. 

3 Leaf: 

Petole 

Lamina 

Single layer epidermis covered by thick cuticle, parenchymatous secondary tissue, ground 

tissue containing bicollateral vascular bundles. 

Single layered epidermis on both surfaces, mesophyll differentiated into palisade and 

spongy parenchyma, vascular bundles are bicollateral, stomata are anomocytic. 

4 Fruit Epicarp covered by thick cuticle is made up of single layered papillose epidermis, 

parenchyamatous cells, stone cells, parenchymatous mesocarp having bicollateral vascular 

bundles. 

5 Seed Single layer of thick-walled sclerenchymatous testa ,tegmen made up of polygonal 

parenchyamatous cells, endosperm made up of parenchymatous cells. 

Standards: 

Studies conducted on identity, purity and strength of Luffa acutangula revealed that it contains 24 

• Total ash content not more than 16%, 

• Foreign matter not more than 2%, 

• Acid-insoluble ash not more than 4%, 

• Water soluble extract not more than 13% 

• 

Alcohol soluble extract not more than 6%. 


Page 516

PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: 


Chemical constituents of Luffa acutangula mainly include carbohydrates, carotene 19 , fat, protein, phytin, 

aminoacids, alanine, arginine, cystine, glutamicacid, glycine, hydroxyproline, leucine, serine, 

tryptophan, 

pipecolic acid 8 , flavonoids 20 , saponins 21. The fruit contains an amorphous bitter principle, luffeine. The seeds 

contain a fixed oil which consists of the glycerides of palmitic, stearic, and myristic acids. 22 

Lectin specific for chito-oligosaccharides was isolated from Luffa acutangula and has been purifed to 

homogenity by affinity chromatography and its macromolecular properties and combining affinity with different 

sugars was studied. The studies revealed that lectin has a molecular weight of 48,000 and stokes radius of 2.9 nm. 

When sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electophoresis was performed, only single band corresponding to 

molecular weight of 24,000 was observed both in the presence as well as absence of 2-mercaptoethanol. The 

subunits in this dimeric lectin are therefore held by non-covalent interactions alone. The lectin is not a glycoprotein 

and circular dichroism spectral studies indicate that this lectin has 31% α-helix and no ß-sheet. The lectin is found 

to bind specifically to chito oligosaccharides and the affinity of the lectin increases with increasing oligosaccharide 

chain length as monitored by near ultra-violet circular dichroism and intrinsic fluorescence titration. The 

thermodynamic data revealed that binding site in lectin accommodates a tetrasaccharide and the values of ∆G, ∆Η 

and ∆S for the binding process showed a pronounced dependence on the size of the oligosaccharide. 7 

A chito oligosaccharide specific lectin (Luffa acutangula agglutinin) has been purified from the exudate 

of ridge gourd fruits by affinity chromatography on soybean agglutinin glycopeptides coupled to Sepharose-6B. 

The affinity purified lectin was found homogeneous by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Based on the 

thermodynamic data, blue shifts and fluorescence enhancement, spatial orientation of chito oligosaccharides in the 

combining site of the lectin were studied. 10 Luffangulin, a novel ribosome inactivating peptide with an N-terminal 

sequence, was isolated from seeds of Luffa acutangula. The 5.6 kDa-peptide designated luffangulin inhibited cellfree 

translation with an IC 50 of 3.5 nM but lacked inhibitory activity toward HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. 12 


Page 517


A bitter principle, Cucurbitacin B, an acid sapogenin, oleanolic acid were isolated from the seeds of Luffa 

acutangula. 15 

The study of nutritional and oil characteristerics of the Luffa acutangula seeds showed that it has Iodine 

value, saponification value and acid value as 99.5, 190.8 and 10.5 respectively. The maximum melting and freezing 

points were found to be -3°C and -10°C respectively. 14 

Table No-3: Phytochemical constituents in each part of Luffa acutangula 17 

S.no Fruit Seed Cotyledons Callus 

1 Moisture 

(94.71%). 

2 Protein 

(1.077%). 

3 Alanine 

(0.313%). 

4 Arginine 

(0.114%). 

5 Aspartic acid 

(3.383%). 

6 Glycine 

(0.457%). 

7 Glutamic acid 

(1.0%). 

8 Histidine 

(0.203%). 

9 Isoleucine 

(0.295%). 

10 Leucine 

(0.709%). 

11 Lysine 

(0.159%). 

12 Phenylalanine 

(0.315%). 

13 Proline 

(0.349%). 

14 Serine 

(0.856%). 

15 Thronine 

(0.419%). 

16 Tyrosine 

(0.181%). 

17 Valine 

(0.524%). 

Fatty oil 

(28.5%). 

Total lipids 

(21.6%). 

Total lipids (2.6%). 

Lauric acid Unsaturated fatty Unsaturated fatty acids 

(1.78%). 

acids (68.63%). (28.80%). 

Myristic acid Saturated fatty acids Saturated fatty acids 

(9.84%). 

(31.37%). 

(71.20%). 

Palmitic acid Lauric acid. Lauric acid (4.54%). 

(23.09%). 

Stearic acid Myristic acid. Myristic acid (6.94%). 

(24.2%). 

Oleic acid Palmitic acid Palmitic acid (53.61%). 

(1.48%). 

(21.23%). 

Linoleic acid Stearic acid 

Stearic acid (6.11%). 

(33.56%). (10.14%). 

Trypsin inhibitors. Oleic acid 

Oleic acid (3.33%). 

(28.42%). 

- Linoleic acid Linoleic acid (8.43%). 

(40.21%). 

- Linolenic acid. Linolenic acid (17.04%). 

- - - 

- - - 

- - - 

- - - 

- - - 

- - - 

- - - 


Page 518

NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION: 


The seeds of Luffa acutangula were studied for potential nutritional and oil characteristics. The fatty acid 

profile indicates that the glycerides of oleic and linoleic acid constitute 68% of the total kernel oil. The seeds were 

also found to be a good source of certain amino acids, phosphorous, iron and magnesium. 14 

ETHANOMEDICAL PROPERTIES: 

The ethano medico botanical survey of the hilly areas in Maharshtra revealed that fruits of Luffa acutangula 

are used to protect from jaundice when taken in the form of very fine powder through nose. 19 

PHARMACOLOGICAL STUDIES: 

Hepatoprotective activity: 

Hydroalcoholic extract of Luffa acutangula (HAELA) was tested for hepatoprotective activity. Standard 

drug used was silymarin. HAELA showed significant hepatoprotection against CCl 4 and rifampicin induced 

hepatotoxicity in rats. Hepatoprotective acton of HAELA was due to the decreased levels of serum marker 

enzymes(AST,ALT,ALP and LDH) and increased total protein including the improvement in histoarchitecture of 

liver cells of the treated groups as compared to the control group. HAELA also showed significant decrease in 

malondialdehyde (MDA) formation, increased activity of non-enzymatic intracellular antioxidant, glutathoine and 

enzymatic antioxidants, catalase and superoxide dismutase. Results of this study demonstrated that endogenous 

antioxidants and inhibition of lipid peroxidation of membrane contibute to hepatoprotective activity of 

hydroalcoholic extract of L.acutangula. 1 

Investigations were made for hepatoprotective activity of saponin fraction of Luffa acutangula seeds in liver 

fibrocytic rat-induced with CCl 4 male Wistar rats were divided into six groups consisting of normal group, control 

group, comparator group and three test groups(given saponin fraction of Luffa acutangula). The study concluded 

that administration of saponin fraction at dose 10 mg/kg bw twice a week, 20 mg/kg bw twice a week and 20 

mg/kg bw once daily showed hepatoprotective activity and the highest effect was showed at a dose of 20 mg/kg bw 

once daily. 


Page 519

Developmental toxicity: 


The tea made from Luffa acutangula fruits was used to study abortive action in eleven pregnant wistar 

female rats. On the 15 th gestational day, six rats are dosed with 10ml/kg of L.acutangula tea(50g of dried fruit in 

100ml of water) and the other five rats were dosed with saline solution. On the 25 th gestational day, all the rats were 

submitted to cesarean section. The study concluded saying the ingestion of L.acutangula during pregnancy may 

promote developmental toxicity. 23 

The ethanolic extract of L.acutangula was found to exhibit promising abortifacient activity in female rats. 

The drug in a dose of 400 mg/kg/day orally fed for 2 days exhibited expulsion of foetus in mid term pregnant 

rabbits. 16 

Antidiabetic activity: 

A comparative study of leaves of Grewia asiatica, fruits of Luffa acutangula and bark of Bombax ceiba has 

been conducted for screening of anti-diabetic activity. Ether, chloroform, ethanol and aqueous extracts (200 mg/kg 

b.w.) of leaves of Grewia asiatica, fruits of Luffa acutangula and bark of Bombax ceiba were screened. Among all 

extracts, chloroform and alcoholic extracts of fruits of Luffa acutangula has reported more significant (p


ng/ml, respectively). In conclusion, data provided a scientific proof for Luffa acutangula as a potential antitumor 

agent. 11 

Antioxidant activity/Free radical scavenging activity: 

A comparative study of Citrullus colocynthis, Clitora ternata, Luffa acutangula and Madhuca indica was made for 

free radical scavenging activity. The IC 50 value of L.acutangula was determined and was found to be 0.33µg/mg. 3 

A comparative study of extracts of vegetables traditionally consumed like angular loofah(Luffa acutangula), 

charungli(Caralluma edulis), okra(Abelmoschus esculentus), bitter melon(Momordica charantia) was made for free 

radical scavenging activity(antioxidant property). These extracts were prepared both by cold maceration and also by 

boiling the plant in the solvent under reflux. Extracts from angular loofah (Luffa acutangula) showed a significant 

difference in the antioxidant activity between the extract obtained by using cold maceration and that prepared by 

boiling the plant in the solvent under reflux, suggesting the chemical composition of the plant changed during the 

heating process, leading to an increase in the amount of antioxidant components. 13 

CNS depressant activity: 

Ethanolic extract of Luffa acutangula fruits were studied for effect on behavioral changes, exploratory 

activity, barbiturate sleeping time in mice. The extract exhibited dose-dependent CNS depressant activity. 5 

Fungistatic property: 

Extract from the seeds of Luffa acutangula produced 12% inhibition of spore germination of 

Cephalosporium sacchari. 4 

Other properties: The seeds of Luffa acutangula contain a saponin which cause haemolysis and also possess 

digitalis like action. In the indigenous system of medicine the pounded leaves are applied locally in splenitis, 

haemorrhoids and leprosy. It also contains cucurbitacin compounds which have got significant anti-neoplastic 

properties. 15 Studies on Luffa acutangula shows that it posses larvicidal activity. 18 

The oil obtained from the seeds of L.acutangula can be used both as an edible oil and also for soapmaking.The 

plant is also used as an emetic. The juice of heated ridge gourd is good for diabetes. 17 


Page 521

Table:4 


S. 

Pharmacology 

Plant 

Extract Dose Model p value Author 

no 

part 

1 Hepatoprotective Fruit Hydroalcoholic 

activity 1 extract of fruit 

2 Antioxidant activity 3 Aerial 

parts 

3 Anti diabetic activty 2 Fruit Chloroform and 

200 

mg/kg 

Rat(CCl 4 & 

Rifampicin 

induced 

liver 

toxicity) 


2. P.S. Priyanka, M.M. Patel, C.J. Bhavsar, 2010, 1(1). 

3. N. Shekhawat, P.S. Soam,T. Singh, R. Vijayvergia, 2010, 5(4), pp 298-301. 

4. Dixit, S.N,Tripathi, S.C, Nat. Acad. Sci. Lett.1 : 287, 1975. 

5. A.V. Misar, A.S. Upadhye, A.M. Mujumdar, 2004. 

6. B. Kandlakunta,B.Rajendran, L. Thingnaganing, Food chem. 2008, 106. 

7. V. Anantharam, S.R. patanjali, M.J. Swamy, A.R. Sanadi, I.J.Goldstein, A. Surolia, 1986, 261(5), pp 14621- 

14627. 

8. http://www.ayurvedaconsultants.com/ayurvedicherb.aspx. 

9. Pharmacological investigations of certain medical plants and compound plants and compound formulations 

used in ayurveda and siddha, CCRAS 

10. V. Anantharam, S.R. Patanjali, A. Surolia, 1985, 8, pp 403-411. 

11. “www.pharmainfo.net/current-trends-biotechnology-and-pharmacy” 

12. H. Wang, Tzi Bun Ng, 2002, 70(8), pp 899-906.. 

13. N. M. Ansari, L. Houlihan, A. Pierni, Phytother. Res 2005, 19, pp 907-911. 

14. B. S.Kamel, B.Blackman, 1982, 9(4), pp 277-282 

15. S. Pal, S.K. Chakraborthi, A.Banerjee, B.Mukerji, Ind.Jour.Med.Res.,1968, 56(4). 

16. Sing, S.P.et al, Ind J. Pharmacol. 10(1) : 88, 1978. 

17. Anonymous, The Wealth of India, Raw materials. Publication and Information Directorate, CSIR, N. Delhi, 

ISBN: 81-85038-00-7 ,pp 133-136. 

18. K.Prabhakar, A.Jebanesan, Biores Tech 2004, 95. 

19. S. B.Badgujar, M.B. Patil, 2008, 7(1), pp 79-81. 

20. E.E. Schilling,C.B.Heiser, Bioh systematic and ecol 1981,9. 

21. T.Nagao, R.Tanaka, Y.Iwase, H.Hanazono, H.Okabe H, Chem Pharm Bull 1991, 39. 

22. http://www.bpi.da.gov.ph/Publications/mp/pdf/p/patola.pdf. 


Page 523


23. L.C.B. Fernandes, L.A.V. Corderio, B.S. Blanco, 2010, 9(8), pp 1255-1258. 

24. Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia, part I , volume 3, pp 150-153. 

Corresponding Author: 

Jyothi.V*, 

Vignan Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 

Hyderabad. 

Email: jyothi.vonguru@gmail.com 


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